It鈥檚 been a while coming, but 麻豆传媒映画finally has its first all Ocean Wise sushi bar. This week the wraps came off Fairmont Pacific Rim鈥檚 Rawbar, where every morsel is certified sustainable. Though others have dabbled in the notion, this high profile initiative should be the kickstarter to a citywide movement.
The way Fairmont Pacific Rim executive chef Darren Brown sees it, there really is no other way to go.
Ever since he moved to 麻豆传媒映画from the East Coast (originally to open Glowbal鈥檚 Coast Restaurant), Brown has been impressed with the way 麻豆传媒映画has embraced Ocean Wise.
鈥淚 knew two years ago we had to do this,鈥� says Brown, who adds that his two little boys also figured large in the decision. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 them want to grow up in a world where our oceans are depleted. I want them to be able to eat fish in 20 years.鈥�
For Nigiri and Sashimi alternatives, Brown and his team have turned to humpback prawns, humboldt squid, Lois Lake steelhead, wild sablefish and more. Sushi chef Takayuki (Taka) Omi is equally passionate about the switch.
Across from the Convention Centre, in Pac Rim鈥檚 hopping Lobby Lounge, Rawbar is well positioned to be the city鈥檚 Ocean Wise sushi flagbearer.
Still on the sustainable front, just arrived is the Daily Catch (1148 Davie St.), a West End sibling to its successful eastside Ocean counterpart, as well as another Daily Catch at UBC鈥檚 Westbrook Village. It鈥檚 a sign that Vancouverites are catching on in a big way to the idea of sustainable seafood.
Lunchtime quickie
While food carts may get all the glory 鈥� some deservedly so 鈥� the Hired Belly has noticed the return of the once near-extinct quick lunch. Taking it to the next level, South Granville鈥檚 Farmer鈥檚 Apprentice (1535 West Sixth Ave., 604-620-2070) is renowned for its extraordinary evening tasting menu and unswerving local fare. Not so well known is the lunchtime soup and sandwich deal, which is one of the best values around.
Drop by for smooth and delicious lentil and chorizo soup, before getting your chops around the city鈥檚 best (and maybe only) duck confit sandwich and greens. The deal? $12 before tip and taxes. See you there! (Tuesday through Sunday.)
Craft works
麻豆传媒映画is riding a renaissance of all things craft. No further proof needed than听 the recent, lively Barrels 鈥榥 Bottles all-day sip-a-thon at the Blackbird Pub & Oyster House (Dunsmuir at Hornby). This joint fundraiser for B.C.鈥檚 Craft Brewers and Distillers Guilds offered an opportunity to taste a wide cross section of what鈥檚 being brewed and distilled across southwestern B.C.
Of note, Railspur No. 1 White 鈥� a first taste of Liberty Distillery鈥檚 (Granville Island) triple distilled 鈥渨hite whiskey,鈥� which yields a smooth, rich and almost honey nuanced sip. Also discovered: the superb Stair鈥檚 Pear Brandy, a smooth, pear-skin tasting drop from Merridale Ciderworks.
The Blackbird 鈥� a step up from the more pubby Donnelly haunts 鈥� is emerging as a worthy downtown stop, with tastes ranging from a respectably spicy, delicious salsiccia thin crust pizza, and a no holds barred 鈥渟ignature鈥� burger, with ground chuck steak, applewood smoked bacon, caramelized onions and white cheddar.
Quick bites
Even though, sadly, it鈥檚 curtains for long running Le Gavroche, a new venture for the old house is already in the works. Neil Taylor and Ed Perrow (the team behind Espana) will launch an authentically British styled gastro-pub, to be named The Fat Badger. Stay tuned for an expected April-ish opening.
Belly鈥檚 Best
Trench Coat 2012
With spring barbecue season right around the corner, here鈥檚 a perfect drop from McLaren Vale: approachable, plum and black fruit, with a juicy middle and a touch of spiciness. BCLS $19.99 89 pts.
